38 weeks second sweep tomorrow, but have lost all optimism

[Rainbowhairdontcare]

I had a sweep last week (was 2cm dilated and with a soft cervix). After a few days of "progress" I feel like I've "stalled".

Because I'm attempting a VBAC I want to avoid an induction as much as possible, this why the MWs are trying everything they can to bring on labour.

Why have you lost optimism already? You are still 2 weeks out from your due date, plenty of time to go naturally without being induced.

Two nights ago I had proper contractions and have been having them.on and off.. but the further I go, the fewer I get. Seems like it should be the opposite!

Hi Rainbow

37/38 weeks is quite early really for a sweep so please don’t worry yet! Often plans are made for inductions from this stage so you can be booked in time and to prepare you as such but in terms of going into labour naturally you still have plenty of time.

Has baby’s head engaged in pelvis nicely? Use upright chairs/birth ball if you have one etc to keep encouraging baby into a good position.

Try and relax about it (much easier said than done I know) and see if you can discuss nipple stimulation, raspberry leaf tea eg with your midwife to see they might be appropriate for you. Otherwise just try and keep up gentle activities like longish walks if you can, taking the stairs etc.

Just remind yourself you have plenty of time. Especially in second pregnancies labour can come on seemingly quickly as your body has been quietly prepping without you realising!

Good luck ! X

I've been expressing milk twice a day as well as drinking raspberry leaf tea a few times a day.

I know I still have two weeks but as it is I still can't decide if I prefer an induction or a repeat c section. In my own particular case it's less risky to have a C-section but I had such a horrific experience that I don't want to go through that again.

That's why I'm having so many sweeps. Baby is engaged and the MWs even said it was amazing how advanced I was considering I've never given birth. (My first was breech and never engaged, went into labour).

Sounds like you’re doing everything you can!

And all position of baby and cervix along with mild contractions you’ve been having all sound very positive so it does sound like things are moving along, especially as you haven’t laboured before.

As a Vbac your options for induction may be limited but it sounds like your midwives have gone through that with you.

It sounds as though you and the baby are doing really well at the moment so keep doing what your doing and remind yourself you still have time to make choices before you go into labour !

X

The midwives are actually pretty clueless but they help me as much as they can :)